Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers Recipe

I stumbled upon the charming simplicity of combining dark chocolate with crispy graham crackers during one of those late-night kitchen raids we all know too well. Seeking something sweet yet not overly indulgent, I decided to dip these crunchy crackers into melted dark chocolate, and oh, the magic that ensued! The rich, intense flavor of dark chocolate perfectly complementing the sweet, honeyed crunch of graham crackers made me an instant convert.

If you’re ready to elevate your snack game with something that promises to be both incredibly simple and decadently delicious, then stay tuned. In this article, I’ll walk you through every step of making your very own Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers, ensuring your treat tastes great and looks irresistibly inviting.

How to make Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers

Dark chocolate covered graham crackers are a sweet snack made by coating crunchy graham crackers with rich dark chocolate. The combination offers a delightful contrast between the crispiness of the crackers and the smooth, bittersweet flavor of the chocolate.

Ingredients:

• Graham Crackers: 1 packet (Choose your favorite brand; for a twist, you can use honey, cinnamon, or even chocolate-flavored graham crackers.)
• Dark Chocolate: 8 oz (225 grams), chopped (Opt for high-quality chocolate with a cocoa content of 60% or more for the best flavor.)
• Coconut Oil: 1 tablespoon (This is optional but helps make the chocolate smoother and easier to work with.)
• Toppings (Optional): Sea salt, crushed nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruits for garnish.

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by laying out your graham crackers and chopping your dark chocolate into small, even pieces. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will melt.
2. Prepare Your Workspace: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is where you will let the chocolate-dipped crackers cool and harden.
3. Melt the Chocolate: There are two ways to melt your chocolate:
4. Microwave Method: Place the chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
5. Double Boiler Method: Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the pot (without touching the water) and add the chopped chocolate and coconut oil. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth.
6. Dip the Crackers: Once the chocolate is melted, dip each graham cracker into the chocolate, using a fork to flip and ensure it’s fully coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
7. Add Toppings: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your chosen toppings over the crackers for an extra flavor and visual appeal.
8. Cool Down: Place the chocolate-covered crackers on the prepared baking sheet. Once all the crackers are dipped, transfer the sheet to the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to set, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate has hardened, your Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers are ready to be enjoyed. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge if your kitchen is warm.

Tips:

• Quality Matters: Using high-quality dark chocolate will significantly affect the end product. Look for chocolate bars that are intended for baking or making desserts.
• Thin It Out: If your chocolate seems too thick for dipping, adding a bit more coconut oil can help thin it out without compromising the flavor.
• Quick Set: If you’re in a hurry, popping the dipped crackers into the freezer for about 15 minutes can help the chocolate set faster.
• Get Creative: Try different toppings or even a drizzle of white chocolate for a visually striking contrast.

What to serve with

Serving Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers opens a delightful array of possibilities. These treats balance simplicity and decadence perfectly, making them an adaptable choice for various occasions.

1. Hot Beverages:

• Coffee: A steaming cup of black coffee or a rich espresso pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the chocolate and the crunchiness of the graham crackers. The coffee’s bitterness can enhance the chocolate’s flavor profile.
• Tea: To complement the dark chocolate, opt for bold teas like Earl Grey or Chai. Herbal teas with mint or citrus notes can also offer a refreshing contrast.
• Hot Chocolate: For the ultimate chocolate indulgence, serve with a mug of luxurious hot chocolate. Adding cinnamon or chili to the hot chocolate can introduce an intriguing flavor twist.

2. Cold Beverages:

• Milk: Cold milk with dark chocolate is a classic pairing. The milk’s creaminess contrasts beautifully with the rich, intense chocolate.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: A chilled, slightly sweetened iced coffee or cold brew can highlight the dark chocolate’s deep flavors, offering a refreshing and invigorating pairing.
• Wine: Select a wine that complements the intense flavors of dark chocolate. Full-bodied red wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, or a sweet dessert wine, can be excellent choices.

3. Ice Cream and Sorbets:

• Pairing your Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers with ice cream or sorbet adds a delightful temperature and texture contrast. Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but don’t shy away from adventurous flavors like salted caramel, raspberry sorbet, or even coffee ice cream for those who adore coffee-chocolate combinations.

4. Cheese and Fruit Platter:

For a more sophisticated twist, serve your chocolate-covered treats alongside a cheese and fruit platter. Choose a range of cheeses from soft and creamy (like Brie or Camembert) to sharp and aged (such as aged Cheddar or Gouda). Add slices of fresh fruit like strawberries, apples, pears, and grapes, or dried fruits for variety.

5. Assorted Nuts:

A selection of roasted nuts can complement the crunchiness of the graham crackers and the richness of the dark chocolate. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts bring their distinct flavors and textures, making for an enjoyable snacking experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers can be a fun and versatile kitchen project. However, you might not always have all the traditional ingredients on hand or want to cater to different dietary needs or preferences.

Graham Crackers:

• Whole Wheat Crackers: If you can’t find graham crackers, whole wheat crackers can be a good substitute. They provide a similar texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Digestive Biscuits: Popular outside of the United States, digestive biscuits are a great alternative to graham crackers, offering a similar taste and texture.
• Homemade Graham Cracker Alternatives: You can make a simple dough combining whole wheat flour, honey or maple syrup, baking soda, butter (or a vegan alternative), and a pinch of salt. This allows you to control the sweetness and flavor precisely.

Dark Chocolate:

• Milk Chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter, creamier taste, you can use milk chocolate instead of dark. However, this will significantly alter the final flavor.
• Semi-sweet Chocolate: It’s a nice middle ground between dark and milk chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate chips can also work and are easy to melt.
• Chocolate with Alternative Sweeteners: For those avoiding sugar, there are chocolates sweetened with stevia, erythritol, or other sugar substitutes.
• Vegan Chocolate: If you’re following a vegan diet, opt for chocolate that doesn’t contain dairy products.

Butter (for melting chocolate):

• Coconut Oil: If you need a non-dairy substitute for butter, coconut oil is a great option since it helps thin the chocolate and makes it easier to coat the crackers.
• Shortening: Vegetable shortening can also work in place of butter for melting chocolate and does not add any additional flavor.

Toppings (if desired):

• Nuts: If you have an allergy to or dislike nuts, consider seeds like pumpkin or sunflower as a crunchy alternative.
• Dried Fruit: Instead of or in addition to nuts, you can use dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Sea Salt: For a sweet and salty version, sprinkle a little sea salt over the chocolate before it sets.
• Spices / Flavorings: If, for example, you don’t care for the cinnamon that’s sometimes sprinkled on top of these treats, you could opt for orange zest, cardamom, or even a little cayenne pepper for heat.

Final Thoughts

Making Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers is not just about creating a delicious treat; it’s about enjoying the process and possibly sharing a sweet moment with loved ones.

More Chocolate Recipes:

• Dunkin’ Toasted White Chocolate Latte Recipe
• White Chocolate Alfredo Recipe